Sen Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) has introduced a bill called the Clear Visual Distinction Between Military and Law Enforcement Act, from her position on the Senate Armed Services Committee, which restrict federal law enforcement officers from wearing camouflage patterns.
Above, FBI HRT members wear MultiCam pattern uniforms as part of their duties. Photo: FBI
This comes after calls by the Department of Defense for better differentiation between military and law enforcement personnel in the wake of the summer’s riot across the United States. In particular, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, GEN Mark Milley testified before Congress that he was particularly concerned over uniform colors and not equipment.
Sen Duckworth’s Office issued a statement which states, “The Trump Administration’s decision to deploy federal law enforcement officers outfitted in camouflage uniforms in response to those protesting the death of George Floyd and other Black Americans blurred the lines between military servicemembers and law enforcement officers while causing even more fear and division. We must prevent this from happening again.”
According to the bill, the restriction on camouflage use isn’t just military patterns, but all camouflage.
While the bill includes the following exception, “shall not apply to the wearing of a uniform that includes a camouflage pattern that matches the surrounding environment during a period during which a covered Federal law enforcement officer is engaged in a discreet tactical operation where the ability to blend into the surroundings is judged to be necessary for the success of the operation,” it also requires a biannual report to Congress, including dates, operation name and justification for invoking the exception.
In late summer, both DoJ and DHS publicly mentioned their intention to transition many of their personnel to solid colors. This will most likely be Green which those agencies have used in the past, before transitioning to MultiCam several years ago. At the time they wore OD. Now, based upon supply chain availability of materials, it will probably be Ranger Green. Although, in some instances we could see a return to Black clothing and equipment.
For uniform suppliers, this would be a boon. However, there is still no requirement that non-DoD federal entities buy American made clothing and individual equipment.
